Shoprite’s Checkers chain in South Africa is piloting high-tech smart shopping trolleys, known as Xpress Trolleys, to enhance the shopping experience

Checkers, a prominent supermarket chain in South Africa, has introduced the Xpress Trolley, a high-tech shopping cart designed to revolutionize the in-store shopping experience. This innovative trolley allows customers to scan and bag items as they shop, monitor their total spending on a digital screen, and complete payments directly from the cart, effectively eliminating the need to queue at traditional checkout points. Additionally, the Xpress Trolley features in-store navigation assistance, guiding shoppers to product locations within the store.

The pilot phase of this initiative commenced in mid-August 2025, with initial testing conducted by Checkers’ head office employees at the Checkers Hyper Brackenfell store in Cape Town. Following this internal trial, 20 Xpress Trolleys were made available to the public at two locations: Checkers Hyper Brackenfell and Checkers Constantia, also in Cape Town. This rollout marks the first time such technology is being trialed in South Africa, although similar innovations have been tested in countries like Chile, the U.S., and Australia.

The Xpress Trolley is part of Checkers’ broader strategy to enhance customer convenience and strengthen its position in the competitive retail market. By integrating advanced technology into the shopping process, Checkers aims to provide a seamless and efficient experience for its customers. The retailer has not disclosed specific investment details related to the Xpress Trolley pilot.

This development aligns with Checkers’ ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to evolving consumer expectations, positioning itself as a leader in South Africa’s retail sector.